MUSEUM & S.T. CERVIACurrently Closed

The Museum is now closed for the winter, reopening Easter 2016.

10th July 2014New Summer Event For Thanet!

This exciting new event is coming to the Thanet towns over the August Bank holiday weekend 2014, and is being organised by the Steam Museum Trust (Ramsgate Maritime Museum) in conjunction with the Ramsgate Arts "Summer Squall".

Centred at Ramsgate and with goings-on in Margate and Broadstairs too, The Great British Seaside Festival will be grand celebration of the SEASIDE and all things BRITISH… Including a large traditional fun fair with Helter Skelter, Ferris Wheel, and Victorian Carousel with Punch & Judy shows, The magnificent Maritime Museum, The legendary local Coco and the Butterfields (fresh from their performances at Glastonbury), as well as Vintage and Historic Boats, yachts and exotic Food & drink stalls… Traditional seaside activities, family fun and its all FREE!!! There will be a POP-UP tea, Coffee and real ale BAR, and lots of busy cafes and restaurants serving plenty of local Lobster, scallops, mussels and much, MUCH more…

The Steam Museum Trust, in collaboration with Francis Philips Architects, London have come up with some exciting and comprehensive proposals for the regeneration of the Museum and the Clock House. These aim to make the museum, the building and its surrounds a major cultural asset to the Royal Harbour and to Ramsgate.

The plans, which appear to have been very well received by both the Council and local interest groups, seek to restore the museum by opening up some of its original features including the Oculous in the floor in the main entrance, as well as sensitively improving the rear (south) façade. A sculptural extension to the rear of the building has been devised, such that the building will better engage with the outer harbour and utilise the large, sunny waterside terrace.

The regeneration proposals are for 3 phases of work, which are wide-ranging and include enhancement of the maritime exhibits, a pop up café in the adjoining shipping container, the creation of a gallery space, and a museum restaurant with waterside views.

The architects hope to delicately rejunivate the front façade of the Clock House with some attractive planting of trees and plants, some carefully considered street furniture and signage, and with an injection of colour via new awnings.

In celebration of the many men who lost their lives working on the lifeboats, a memorial wall has been devised as the focal point of the Clock House entrance.

In tandem with this, both Cervia - the iconic Steam Tug, and Smeaton's Dry Dock will be improved and made better use of as attractions for Ramsgate. Subject to planning, the tug will be moved forward into the dry dock to make this a focal point for the museum and Pier Yard, drawing people to this key part of the harbour. Another striking improvement will be the addition of a historic ship on the slipway to the west side of the Clock House, which will bring together elements of Pier Yard to create a wider informal 'piazza' space.

We hope that a viable plan, coupled with the enthusiasm of local people, can allow the museum and its surrounds to once again become an effective cultural asset for Ramsgate, while also acting as a catalyst for future regeneration in the area.

In support of the regeneration of Ramsgate Maritime Museum, and in tandem with the nation festival of Museums at Night, we're introducing "Burgers & Bordeaux" the first of a Pop-Up Supper Club Night At The Museum on 16th May 2014. Food will be by renowned local chef Simon Chipperfield, and places are limited. To book, call 07810 358135 or email us at bookings@nightatthemuseum.net

9th August 2013Shipwreck Treasure Tour... perhaps...

The Steam Museum Trust is currently in discussions with the organisers of "The Shipwreck Treasure Tour" to hold an exhibition in the Clock House during September 2013.This exciting display features gold and silver bullion – coins, etc. - salvaged rom 3 historic ship wrecks, the S.S. "Gairoppa", S.S. "Republic" and the "Tortugas".Please keep an eye on this website for updates...

7th August 2013The "Old Gaffers" at the Royal Harbour!

The Ramsgate Royal Harbour played host to the "Old Gaffers Association" 50th Anniversary celebrations over the weekend 3-5th August. The flotilla of traditional 'gaff rigged' sailing boats were moored on the museum's King George IV heritage pontoons, Cervia and Sundowner were 'dressed overall' with their signal flags aloft, becoming honourary "Old Gaffers" for the event. A good time was had by all, and the evocative spectacle brought significant numbers of visitors to both the museum and to the harbour.

Photos courtesy of Michael Child

2nd August 2013Join the new "Cervia Supporters Group" and help support the hard work of volunteers preserving Steam Tug "Cervia" and the Dunkirk Little Ship M.Y. "Sundowner".

Sundowner and Cervia have dedicated and regular volunteer crew who unstintingly give of their time and effort to look after and maintain these nationally important vessels. A wider "Supporters Group" is currently being set up under the able direction of Mike Houckham to generate increased interest, recruit additional volunteers and raise funds for the long-term care of Cervia - the last remaining ocean-going steam tug which has been associated with Ramsgate since the late 1940's.
A separate website is going to be set up for the new "Cervia Supporters Group" and a wide range of special events fund raising and activities is being planned, starting with a concert in April 2014 - more details to follow...

29th July 2013Museum Features on ITV's Meridian News

The museum featured on television recently, in an ITV Meridian news article about the on-going conservation of the many rare items found on wrecks on the Goodwin Sands (and now housed in the Museum's Clock House building).

15th July 2013Scandlemongers and Summer Squall...Coming to Ramsgate24th - 26th August 2013

The museum has continued to be involved in numerous harbour-side events during the season, including childrens' workshops with the Scandalmongers Theatre Company and reaching a climax with the established "Summer Squall" arts festival which, once again, is due to be held over the August bank holiday, 24th - 26th August 2013.

12th July 2013Museum Openings for 2013...

The museum and steam tug Cervia opened for the 2013 season during the 4 day Easter holiday weekend, and the May Day and Whitsun 3 day weekends, followed by regular weekend openings until the end of June.
From 2nd July, the museum will be open 6 days week, and Steam Tug Cervia at weekends.
So far this season the favourable weather, following dismal conditions earlier in the season, has brought substantial numbers to Ramsgate and to the Maritime Museum, including Smeatons Drydock and the two historic vessels - which are all under the care of the Steam Museum Trust.

8th July 2013M.Y. Sundowner leads the Dunkirk Little Ships at The Medway River Festival

M.Y. Sundowner represented the Ramsgate Museum at the Medway River Festival on Saturday and, once again, she led the flotilla of Dunkirk Little Ships.Sundowner is next due to appear at the forthcoming Hampton Court event on 7th and 8th September in honour of veterans of past maritime conflicts, including the South Atlantic and Second World War.M.Y. Sundowner will then attend the Classic Boat Festival (The Mayor's Thames Festival) at St Katherine's Dock, London on 15th September. This event will bring to a close the busy season of activities for both of the Steam Museum Trusts' two historic vessels, both ably supporting the Museum and helping to publicise Ramsgate to a wider audience.

1st July 2013Record Crowds at ThePreston Rally & East Kent Show!

The Steam Museum Trust held the 11th annual Preston Rally & East Kent Show over the weekend of 29-30th June. This attracted both record crowds and record numbers of exhibits and attractions - so much so that it is now referred to in the press as "East Kent's Premier Event". Next year's show is planned to be even bigger and better...
Plans are underway to hold the very popular "Harbour Steam" event once again, over the August Bank holiday weekend in 2014... a date to keep in mind if you have an interest in maritime history and historic vessels.

21st March 20132013 EASTER REOPENING...

We are pleased to announce that the Ramsgate Museum and Steam Tug "Cervia' will be reopening for the Easter holidays from Friday 29th March 2013 for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend (including Monday), and then will be open Wednesdays to Sundays through until Sunday 14th April.
Our opening hours will be:Wednesdays to Sundays 10.30 am - 5.30 pm (+ bank holiday Monday).

The historic Steam Tug "Cervia" will also be open to visitors over Easter.

Ramsgate Maritime Museum is operated by the Steam Museum Trust Ltd.UK registered charity No. 1129376Registered with the Museums, Libraries & Archives Council No. 1424Email the museum at info@ramsgatemaritimemuseum.org or Call us on 01843 570622